Hadith #5327

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. Praise be to Allah, the Lord of all the worlds. May peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), his pure progeny, and his noble companions.

The provided Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) highlights the concept of gratitude and its significance in the life of a believer. Let us delve into the words of this Hadith and explore its connotation in light of the Quran.

The Arabic word (ni'mah) "نِعْمَةً" in this Hadith refers to a blessing or favor bestowed upon an individual by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It can encompass various forms of blessings, such as health, wealth, knowledge, or any other provision that brings benefit and goodness to a person's life.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) states that when someone is granted a blessing, they become enslaved by it. This does not mean literal slavery, but rather refers to the attachment and dependence that can develop towards the blessing. It is a reminder that humans are prone to becoming engrossed in their blessings and may forget the source of these blessings, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

To illustrate this concept, let us turn to the Quran. In Surah Al-Isra (17:67), Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [recall] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This verse emphasizes the importance of gratitude towards Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) for the blessings He bestows upon us. When we express gratitude, Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) promises to increase us in favor. However, if we neglect to show gratitude and become ungrateful, we risk facing severe consequences.

Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) further states that one can only be freed from the enslavement of a blessing through their show of gratitude. This means that by acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the blessings we receive, we can break free from the attachment and dependency on these blessings.

The Quran also emphasizes the importance of gratitude in Surah Ibrahim (14:7), where Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) says,

And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed, 'If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny, indeed, My punishment is severe.'

This verse echoes the previous one, highlighting the correlation between gratitude and an increase in blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It serves as a reminder that gratitude is not only a means of freeing oneself from the enslavement of blessings but also a way to attract more blessings from Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ).

Reflecting on this Hadith, we realize that gratitude is not only a moral virtue but also a means of spiritual growth. By recognizing and appreciating the blessings bestowed upon us, we develop a deeper connection with our Creator. Gratitude helps us maintain humility, acknowledge our dependence on Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ), and cultivate a positive mindset.

Moreover, gratitude is not limited to expressing thanks through words alone. It encompasses actions that reflect our appreciation for the blessings we have received. For example, if we are blessed with good health, we can show gratitude by taking care of our bodies, engaging in acts of worship, and using our physical abilities to serve others.

In conclusion, the Hadith of Imam Ali (عَلَيْهِ ٱلسَّلَامُ) serves as a reminder for Muslims to be grateful for the blessings bestowed upon them by Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ). It highlights the potential danger of becoming enslaved by these blessings and emphasizes the importance of expressing gratitude as a means of freeing oneself from this attachment. Gratitude not only brings us closer to Allah (سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ) but also attracts more blessings into our lives. May we all strive to cultivate a grateful heart and show appreciation for the countless blessings bestowed upon us by our Creator.